WINTHROP, Wash. — With no letup from high temperatures and wind, a massive wildfire in north-central Washington is growing, marking a week since flames began to consume homes, farms and scenic hillsides.

New estimates from flyovers on Saturday put the lightning-caused fire at 360 square miles. The fire measured at 260 square miles on Friday.

Incident spokeswoman Victoria Wilkins says clouds that had brought cooler temperatures overnight were lifting Sunday morning, and hot temperatures were expected to be back. She says 2,100 firefighters are being deployed to protect structures.

She adds that crews are also working to clear a road to access the main power line to the Methow Valley, which has been without power for days. She estimates it will take at least three days just to clear for access.


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